Ella Mae Knowlton

Mrs. Ella Mae Knowlton McGinister was born on July 27, 1950 in Knowlton, Arkansas as the seventh of twelve children to the late Sandy Knowlton, Sr. and Annie M. Knowlton.  She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior early in life and served faithfully at Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and occasionally served as church secretary. Ella graduated from Eliza Miller High School in West Helena, Arkansas in the class of 1968.  In January 1970, she started her nursing journey at the Helena Nursing School and later graduated from Phillips County Community College.  Her career began in the nursery at Helena Hospital and continued at the Phillips County Health Department where she built lasting relationships with students, faculty, and countless people in the community.  She loved her work deeply and remained dedicated until her retirement in 2015. On November 10, 1975, Ella married her beloved Terry McGinister, Sr. They built a family with their two children; Nikki and TJ, which blossomed even more with the joy of their grandchildren.  Some of their happiest memories were made during visits to Fort Smith, Arkansas spending time with the little ones who lit up their world.  When travel became less frequency, Ella stayed connected to loved ones through calls, texts, and the cheerful emojis she was known for sending. On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the age of 75, Ella departed this earthly life and entered eternal rest with her Heavenly Father. Ella is preceded in death by her parents; husband; Terry McGinister, Sr., brothers; Peter Knowlton, Sr., Sandy Knowlton, Jr., Earl Knowlton, Hosea Knowlton, Sr., Joseph Knowlton, Sr., Ineal Knowlton, Sr., sisters; Martha Trotter, Mary Davis, Annie Lindsey, Dr. Catherine Gibson, brothers-in-law; Gene McGinister, Maurice McGinister, James Mooney, and sister-in-law; Juanita McGinister Boyd. To cherish her memory, Ella leaves her daughter; Etta Nicole McGinister, son; Terry (Brittany) McGinister, Jr. along with grandchildren; Cameron, Terry, III “Trey”, Tailynn, Tania, Taryn, Braylen, great grandson; Amari, sisters; Ruth Mooney, Elizabeth “Liz” Cross, brothers-in-law; Jeff (Ida) McGinister, Charles McGinister, James Boyd, Harry Lindsey, George Andrew Gibson, sisters-in-law; Dinella Boyd, Helen (William) Brown, Cordelia McGinister-Lee, Notie McGinister, Erma Knowlton, Willie Mae Knowlton, Carolyn Knowlton, Judy Knowlton, along with a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.